Gerardo Martino clarified the reasons behind his surprise departure from Inter Miami after just one year in charge. In an interview with The Athletic, the Argentine coach said that Lionel Messi was the first to know of his decision.

"I called Leo and told him that I had a personal need to be in Rosario. The first half of the year was going to be complicated for me... It was not a health problem, but a very difficult personal matter behind my decision. Once I explained it to him, he felt calmer," Martino confessed.

A cycle interrupted in full ascent

Martino's departure surprised the entire MLS. At the time, Inter Miami was dominating the table and looked to be the top candidate for the playoffs. Under Martino's leadership, the club won 35 of 67 matches, with 16 defeats and 16 draws, representing a 62% success rate.

"It was still a project with a lot of potential and room for growth. It was hard to leave, but there was no way I could stay," added the former Barcelona and Argentina coach.

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Rumors and clarifications

After his resignation, there were reports pointing to tensions with David Beckham's management and rotation in the sporting area as the reasons for his departure. However, Martino was blunt: "I had no problems with the ownership or with the club. It was a personal matter, nothing more".

Today, almost a year later, Martino is looking forward to Javier Mascherano's arrival in the Inter Miami dugout. "He is more than ready to break the ceiling of titles in the south of the United States," he said, clearing doubts and showing respect for the new process.